THE ELECTORAL LAW

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 April 1938, Page 14

THE ELECTORAL LAW

CLOSING OF SHOPS. The Prime Minister has informed the New Zealand Federation of Drapers that the question of closing, of retail establishments from noon on election day has received the careful consideration of the Government and, as there are very good reasons why the half-holiday should not be abolished, it has been decided not to amend the existing law. For many years (comments the New Zealand Draper) the federation has asked that this singling out of shops for such restrictions should cease, and never yet has any argument been advanced in support of this injustice. The Prime Minister dismisses this fair and reasonable request with an airy assurance that “there are very good reasons why the half-holiday should not be abolished,” but what these “very good reasons” are remains a State secret on which we can get no enlightenment, and it is very difficult indeed to imagine any reasonable grounds for retaining such an injustice and inflicting such a needless loss of trade on our shopkeepers, or causing unnecessary inconvenience to the shopping public. No such interference is imposed on factories, offices or other trading activities on election day. The Act merely requires that reasonable time off for the purposes of recording their vote must be allowed by all employers and cur shopkeepers are only asking for the same treatment as other employers.

The election day restriction not only applies to the day of the general election, but also to by-elections, and absurd animalies arise at times. We recall an occasion when there was a by-election in Auckland East and the main thoroughfare was the boundary between East and West. The consequence was that on election day all the shops on the eastern side of the street had to close at noon, while those across the road were open and carrying on business as usual until ordinary closing time. If the Prime Minister oi- Attorney-General can state “very good reasons” ’why such a farcical enactment should continue in force we shall be pleased to hear them, but if the Government still declines to move in the matter, our members should make a point of noting that this is election year, and when caididates are soliciting support they might well be asked whether they favour amending the law in the direction required, and a careful note made of their replies.